Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on veteran James Milner after his performance against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Reds faced a tricky trip up to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon with Eddie Howe’s resurgent Newcastle side a major threat.
Liverpool battled through though, claiming a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half strike from midfielder Naby Keita.
There were plenty of other chances to extend the lead but Liverpool will be glad to have got out of this tricky game with all three points.
Manchester City’s 4-0 thrashing of Leeds United means Liverpool remain in second place but the momentum continues.
That’s despite the fact that Jurgen Klopp decided to rotate a few players in and out of his starting lineup against Newcastle.
For instance, Mohamed Salah was left on the bench and there was a chance for Joe Gomez at right back.
Klopp also gave a chance to James Milner in midfield with the veteran coming in for just his eighth Premier League start of the season.
Milner turned in a strong display in Liverpool’s engine room. Four key passes, three aerial duels won, one interception and one clearances – not a bad day for the 36-year-old.
Add in that Milner has been praised for an ‘outstanding’ challenge in the build-up to Keita’s goal and you see his importance.
It just feels like Milner can keep going and going – but whether that’s with Liverpool remains to be seen.
Milner is out of contract at the end of the season and it’s unclear whether he will be staying or not.
Liverpool boss Klopp has now hailed Milner, telling The Telegraph that he felt Milner was ‘outstanding’ against Newcastle.
Klopp noted that Milner is so important off the pitch but can still prove it on the pitch too, even name-checking Luka Modric.
Klopp added that Milner’s future is up to him, leaving the door open for him to stay at Anfield a little longer yet.
“He was outstanding,” said Klopp. “Milly is Milly and is incredibly important for us and that is very important. We talk about the dressing room, he is very helpful there, especially with a manager who is not a native speaker. But on the pitch as well he played a super game. I loved this game from the boys and James was a massive part of that.”
“Luka Modric is 36 as well so it must have been a good generation. It is difficult to be fitter than Milly. He is a role model. I told him, I told the world, nothing we achieved in the last few years would have been possible without James Milner. He set standards in a way not many people can set standards. It is up to Milly what the future holds,” he added.
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